BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1369

By: Clardy

Higher Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties suggest that the criteria the Texas Workforce Commission may consider in awarding a grant for the development of a career and technical education course or program at a public junior college, public technical institute, or independent school district under the jobs and education for Texans grant program should be expanded and revised to promote the coordination of regional partnerships and collaboration between education and workforce partners. H.B. 1369 seeks to ensure Texas' continued economic competitiveness by providing for that expansion and revision.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 1369 amends the Education Code to include in the criteria the Texas Workforce Commission may consider in awarding a grant for the development of a career and technical education course or program at a public junior college, public technical institute, or independent school district under the jobs and education for Texans grant program whether the course or program includes career counseling and advising services for students. The bill specifies, with regard to the criterion of whether the course or program is part of a new emerging industry or high-demand occupation, that the industry or occupation is in the region served by the public junior college, public technical institute, or independent school district, as demonstrated by local labor market information. The bill's provisions apply beginning with grants awarded for the 2018-2019 academic year.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2017.